INTL vs QQQ
Main International ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. QQQ delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INTL | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $249M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.42% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +10.42% | +16.23% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.87% | +26.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.72% | +25.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +14.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2022 | Mar 10, 1999 |
INTL vs QQQ Performance
Main International ETF (INTL) is a ETF from Main Management ETF Advisors, LLC and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year INTL returned +16.87% while QQQ returned +26.23%. Year to date, INTL is up 10.42% versus a gain of 16.23% for QQQ.
Over three years, INTL compounded at +16.72% per year against +25.75% for QQQ. Across the full 4-year window we track, INTL has the edge at +14.54% annualized vs +13.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 13.2% for INTL. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -14.5% for INTL and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTL charges 0.84% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $18 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTL currently yields 3.42% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
INTL and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 109 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INTL or QQQ?
INTL has an expense ratio of 0.84% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTL or QQQ?
Over the past year INTL returned +16.87% vs +26.23% for QQQ, so QQQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), INTL annualized +14.54% vs +13.02% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTL or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 13.2% for INTL. Worst drawdown: INTL -14.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both INTL and QQQ?
INTL and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INTL and QQQ?
INTL and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 109 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTL or QQQ?
INTL yields 3.42% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so INTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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